A young man wavered between two worlds. Would he roll with the gangs in his neighborhood, or walk with Christ? Although his father struggled with addiction and his mother suffered from schizophrenia, his grandmother prayed for and encouraged him to follow Jesus. Christian hip-hop artist FLAME admits that there was a time in his life that he tried to fit into both worlds. But today he has a degree in biblical counseling and is attending seminary. And his top-selling albums contain street-savvy beats and inspiring Christian messages.
Like the prophet Jeremiah, FLAME had to decide how to interact with the world around him while remaining true to his faith. During a heart-to-heart talk with God, Jeremiah voiced his frustration over not fitting in with his peers. He said, “I am hated everywhere I go” (Jeremiah 15:10), and “I never joined the people in their merry feasts. I sat alone because your hand was on me” (Jeremiah 15:17).
Jeremiah had to herald God’s messages to the Israelites—confronting their sin and informing them of the consequences. Although the people plugged their ears and ostracized the prophet, God reminded him, “You must influence them; do not let them influence you!” (Jeremiah 15:19).
When God calls us to Himself, He’s recruiting us to be lanterns in dark places (Matthew 5:14-16). Even so, living for God can be challenging when our flesh feels the tug of earthly enticement. We can find the right balance between God’s holiness and the world around us only when He’s our greatest influence.
FLAME puts it like this:
Deviate from the world, run to Christ’s likeness. Run, I says run to the One who is righteous. Get accountability—go and read your Bible too. Get into the Word of God, and get the Word of God in you!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 16:19-31
More:
Read 1 Corinthians 15:33 for important insight into forming friendships. Look up 3 John 1:9-12 for examples of good and bad influences within the church.
Next:
Poet T. S. Eliot said, “People exercise an unconscious selection in being influenced.” What (or who) has influenced your life over the past year? How have you been influencing others?
Gary Shultz on August 17, 2014 at 6:55 am
Your post made me think of something else I heard some time ago…… Show me three things about a person and I will show you that person. Who are their friends, what do they do in their spare time, and to what music do they listen…….Thanks
jennifer benson schuldt on August 17, 2014 at 8:55 pm
Good point, Gary. My husband and I were just talking to a young couple today about the three things you mentioned. Who are their friends–do they have godly influences in their lives? What kind of music do they take in–how do the lyrics influence their choices? What kinds of activities do they enjoy? We were so encouraged to hear good things from two Christians who will carry God’s light into the world!
Winn Collier on August 26, 2014 at 4:15 pm
I can’t get past the fact that his name is FLAME. That’s fantastic.